My dear daughter,
Today we had your baptism. It wasn’t so bad.
It was funny because whenever the priest came close to you to give a blessing or anointment, you would open your mouth wide and scream and cry. Kinda like in The Exorcist.
I do apologize profusely because I know those parts were not funny to you at all, especially the magic water part. It must have been cold and you probably felt scared. Your mother and I were with you the whole time.
The priest was an idiot. Couldn’t speak Portuguese properly. I’m not sure if he was a foreigner or just ignorant. He said people who don’t pray are animals. It was one of those times I was proud to be more like animals and less like humans. The catholic church provides many such times.
The priest didn’t hold you any moment. He just touched your forehead twice to give his magic blessing. There was no way on Earth or in hell I was going to let him hold you.
It was a mess of a ritual. There were only 5 children suffering baptism and there were moments where all 5 were crying. The girl sitting behind us had to skip a blessing because she had to change diapers. She did a number 2 right there in front of the altar. You were the calmest kid, but it was stressful to you anyway. It’s a strange situation, being inside a church for the first time and witnessing the scary group behavior they call a holy mass.
We took plenty of pictures and my sister shot a few small movies. You were beautiful in your little white dress.
I kept thinking about the Holy Diver album cover. Ronnie James Dio.
When we got home there was cake (there really was) and snacks. It was nice being there with all your cousins and uncles. We took pictures of you on everybody’s lap, except Laura’s. She is not comfortable holding a baby. I was just like her and would avoid holding a baby at all costs. That changed with you, obviously. I would gladly hold you all the time.
Love,
Dad
Aspergers Dad 